Prognostic models in end stage liver disease.

Cirrhosis is a major cause of death worldwide, and is associated with significant health care costs. Even if milestones have been recently reached in understanding and managing end-stage liver disease (ESLD), the disease course remains somewhat difficult to prognosticate. These difficulties have already been acknowledged already in the past, when scores instead of single parameters have been proposed as valuable tools for short-term prognosis. These standard scores, like Child Turcotte Pugh (CTP) and model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score, relying on biochemical and clinical parameters, are still widely used in clinical practice to predict short- and medium-term prognosis. The MELD score, which remains an accurate, easy-to-use, objective predictive score, has received significant modifications over time, in order to improve its performance especially in the liver transplant (LT) setting, where it is widely used as prioritization tool. Although many attempts to improve prognostic accuracy have failed because of lack of replicability or poor benefit with the comparator (often the MELD score or its variants), few scores have been recently proposed and validated especially for subgroups of patients with ESLD, as those with acute-on-chronic liver failure. Artificial intelligence will probably help hepatologists in the near future to fill the current gaps in predicting disease course and long-term prognosis of such patients.

Sex disparity and drug-induced liver injury.

Drug-induced liver injury (DILI) is a potentially serious clinical condition that remains a major problem for patients, physicians and those involved in the development of new drugs. Population and hospital-based studies have reported incidences of DILI varying from 1.4 to 19.1/100.000. Overall, females have a 1.5- to 1.7-fold greater risk of developing adverse drug reactions and the female/male ratio increases after the age of 49 years, suggesting a clear susceptibility of DILI after menopause. Sex differences in pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamic, sex-specific hormonal effects or interaction with signalling molecules that can influence drug efficacy and safety and differences in abnormal immune response following drug exposure are the main probable causes of the higher vulnerability observed among female patients. A novel phenotype of autoimmune-mediated DILI following the use of check-point inhibitors in oncology and haematology has been recently described. Finally, there have been increasing reports of DILI associated with use of herbal and dietary supplements that is more frequently reported in women.

Quality of endoscopic screening for colorectal cancer in Italy: A national survey.

BACKGROUND: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a major healthcare problem all over the world and screening is effective in reducing mortality and increasing survival. Since colonoscopy has a central role in faecal immunochemical test (FIT)-based CRC screening and surveillance, consistent quality measures are essential to ensure quality and outcomes. Nevertheless, screening modalities in clinical practice may differ according to the centers experience and the local availability of instrumentation and devices. AIMS: to assess the quality of endoscopic screening for CRC and adherence to international guidelines across Gastroenterology Departments in Italy. METHODS: All members of the Italian Society of Gastroenterology (SIGE) were invited to answer a web-based survey. RESULTS: Data from 64 hospitals from 17 Italian regions were analyzed. 32/64 (50.0%) were from northern, 12/64 (18.75%) from central and 20/64 (31.25%) from southern Italy. Each center is equipped with a median of 5.0 (3.5-7.0) endoscopists involved in CRC screening, 71.4% of which are gastroenterologists. After a positive FIT, most centers (93.8%) schedule a colonoscopy within 3 months. High-definition video endoscopy is routinely performed in 68.8% and chromoendoscopy in 53.1% of centers. Withdrawal time is ≥6 min in 79.9% and cecal intubation rate is ≥90% in 94.4% of departments. Finally, in 92.7% of centers adenoma detection rate (ADR) overcome the minimum standard of 25%. Analyzing the data by regional areas, a significant higher number of median endoscopic examinations/year (6500 vs 4000 and 3000, respectively, p = 0.024) and of endoscopists per center (6.5 vs 5.0 and 3.5, respectively, p < 0.001) has been registered in the northern compared to central-southern centers. CONCLUSIONS: Data from this survey show adequacy and good quality of endoscopic screening for CRC in Italy, highlighting, at the same time, relevant deficiencies and a discrepancy in procedural attitudes between the different centers. These findings call for a urgent action to overcome the shortcomings, refine and homogenize the behaviour of all screening centers in the national territory and improve the outcomes.

Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt in non-cirrhotic portal hypertension related to cystic fibrosis in a lung transplant patient.

Liver involvement is not uncommon in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). Even if serious complications as non-cirrhotic portal hypertension, cirrhosis and liver failure rarely occur, they are associated with impaired survival and reduced quality of life. Herein, we have reported the first case of a patient with CF and non-cirrhotic portal hypertension who underwent transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt placement for recurrent variceal bleeding after bilateral lung transplantation, and we have reviewed the available literature pertaining to this field.

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Gastroenterology Divisions in Italy: A national survey.

BACKGROUND: In Italy, the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic has stressed the entire healthcare system and required a huge re-organization of many Divisions, including those of Gastroenterology. AIMS: to assess the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on Gastroenterology Divisions across Italy. METHODS: All members of the Italian Society of Gastroenterology (SIGE) were invited to answer a web-based survey. RESULTS: Data of 121 hospitals from all 20 Italian regions were analyzed. Overall, 10.7% Gastroenterology Divisions have been converted to Covid Units. Outpatients consultations, endoscopic and ultrasound procedures were limited to urgencies and oncology indications in 85.1%, 96.2% and 72.2% of Units, respectively, and 46.7% of them suspended the screening for colorectal cancer. Moreover, 72.2% of the staff received a training for use of personal protective equipment, although 45.5% did not have sufficient devices for adequate replacement. Overall, 132 healthcare workers in 41 Gastroenterology Divisions were found to be infected. CONCLUSION: This is the first study to evaluate, at a country level, the impact of COVID-19 outbreak on Gastroenterology Divisions. Substantial changes of practice and reduction of procedures have been recorded in the entire country. The long-term impact of such modifications is difficult to estimate but potentially very risky for many digestive diseases.

The road map toward an hepatitis C virus-free transplant population.

Antiviral therapy to eradicate hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection improves outcomes in patients undergoing liver transplantation (LT) for advanced chronic HCV with or without hepatocellular carcinoma. Traditionally, antiviral therapy focused on the use of interferon (IFN)-based regimens, with antiviral treatment initiated in the posttransplant period once recurrent HCV disease with fibrosis in the allograft was identified. The use of IFN-based therapy was limited in pretransplant patients with advanced liver disease. Earlier intervention, either before transplantation or early after LT, is now feasible with the advent of second-generation direct-acting antiviral agents (DAAs) with superior tolerability and efficacy to IFN-based therapy. These agents have the potential to reduce the number of patients developing HCV-related complications requiring LT and retransplantation, as well as reducing the demand for donor organs. We discuss the pros and cons of pretransplant, peritransplant, and posttransplant therapy with current DAAs, citing available data from clinical trials and real-world experience.

A prospective multicentre study of the epidemiology and outcomes of bloodstream infection in cirrhotic patients.

OBJECTIVES: To describe the current epidemiology of bloodstream infection (BSI) in patients with cirrhosis; and to analyse predictors of 30-day mortality and risk factors for antibiotic resistance. METHODS: Cirrhotic patients developing a BSI episode were prospectively included at 19 centres in five countries from September 2014 to December 2015. The discrimination of mortality risk scores for 30-day mortality were compared by area under the receiver operator risk and Cox regression models. Risk factors for multidrug-resistant organisms (MDRO) were assessed with a logistic regression model. RESULTS: We enrolled 312 patients. Gram-negative bacteria, Gram-positive bacteria and Candida spp. were the cause of BSI episodes in 53%, 47% and 7% of cases, respectively. The 30-day mortality rate was 25% and was best predicted by the Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) and Chronic Liver Failure-SOFA (CLIF-SOFA) score. In a Cox regression model, delayed (>24 hours) antibiotic treatment (hazard ratio (HR) 7.58; 95% confidence interval (CI) 3.29-18.67; p < 0.001), inadequate empirical therapy (HR 3.14; 95% CI 1.93-5.12; p < 0.001) and CLIF-SOFA score (HR 1.35; 95% CI 1.28-1.43; p < 0.001) were independently associated with 30-day mortality. Independent risk factors for MDRO (31% of BSIs) were previous antimicrobial exposure (odds ratio (OR) 2.91; 95% CI 1.73-4.88; p < 0.001) and previous invasive procedures (OR 2.51; 95% CI 1.48-4.24; p 0.001), whereas spontaneous bacterial peritonitis as BSI source was associated with a lower odds of MDRO (OR 0.30; 95% CI 0.12-0.73; p 0.008). CONCLUSIONS: MDRO account for nearly one-third of BSI in cirrhotic patients, often resulting in delayed or inadequate empirical antimicrobial therapy and increased mortality rates. Our data suggest that improved prevention and treatment strategies for MDRO are urgently needed in the liver cirrhosis patients.

Polyclonal and monoclonal B lymphocytes response in HCV-infected patients treated with direct-acting antiviral agents.

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) chronic infection can be associated with extrahepatic manifestations such as mixed cryoglobulinaemia and lymphoproliferative disorders that are endowed with increased rates of morbidity and all-cause mortality. In this study, we used flow cytometry to evaluate the effect of interferon-free antiviral treatment on peripheral blood lymphocytes in HCV-infected patients with or without associated lymphoproliferative disorders. Flow cytometry analysis of peripheral blood lymphocytes was performed at baseline and at the end of treatment. In HCV-infected patients with lymphoproliferative disorders, we evaluated immunoglobulin (Ig) light chain κ/λ ratio variations as a measure of monoclonal B-cell response to antiviral therapy. Healthy volunteers were enrolled as controls. A total of 29 patients were included, nine with and 20 without lymphoproliferative disorders. Sustained virological response was achieved in 29 of 29 patients. We observed a significant reduction in the B-cell compartment (39% global reduction) in eight of nine HCV-infected patients with lymphoproliferative disorders after viral clearance. We recognized the same trend, even if less pronounced, in HCV-infected patients without lymphoproliferative disorders (9% global reduction). Among HCV-infected patients with lymphoproliferative disorders, three showed an improvement/normalization of the immunoglobulin light chain ratio, whereas in the remaining six patients monoclonal B cells persisted to be clonally restricted even 1 year after the end of treatment. Our data show that DAAs treatment can be effective in reducing the frequency of pathological B cells in the peripheral blood of HCV-infected patients affected by HCV-associated lymphoproliferative disorders; however, monoclonal populations can persist after viral eradication.

Liver Retransplantation for Hepatic Abscess Due to Hepatic Artery Thrombosis: A Case Report.

INTRODUCTION: Hepatic artery thrombosis (HAT) is a well-recognized complication of liver transplantation (LT). HAT is an important risk factor for infectious, in particular hepatic abscess, which can cause graft loss and increasing morbidity and mortality. CASE REPORT: We present a case report of complicated LT in a 52-year-old Caucasian man with primary sclerosing cholangitis. In 2007 the patient was included on the waiting list in Padua for LT. In 2012 the patient underwent percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage for bile duct stricture, complicated with acute pancreatitis. A diagnostic laparoscopy was performed with choledochotomy and Kehr's T tube drainage. On February 14, 2012, the patient underwent LT with arterial reconstruction and choledochojejunostomy. The postoperative course was complicated with HAT, multiple liver abscesses, and sepsis associated with bacteremia due to Enterococcus faecium despite massive intravenous antibiotic therapy and percutaneous drainages. On November 28, 2012, the patient underwent retransplantation. Four years after transplantation the patient is still in good general condition. CONCLUSION: Hepatic abscess formation secondary to HAT following LT is a major complication associated with important morbidity and mortality. In selected cases retransplantation should be considered as our case demonstrates.

Long-term outcomes of direct acting antivirals in post-transplant advanced hepatitis C virus recurrence and fibrosing cholestatic hepatitis.

Long-term functional outcomes of sofosbuvir-based antiviral treatment were evaluated in a cohort study involving 16 Italian centres within the international compassionate use programme for post-transplant hepatitis C virus (HCV) recurrence. Seventy-three patients with cirrhosis (n=52) or fibrosing cholestatic hepatitis (FCH, n=21) received 24-week sofosbuvir with ribavirin±pegylated interferon or interferon-free sofosbuvir-based regimen with daclatasvir/simeprevir+ribavirin. The patients were observed for a median time of 103 (82-112) weeks. Twelve of 73 (16.4%) died (10 non-FCH, 2 FCH) and two underwent re-LT. Sustained virological response was achieved in 46 of 66 (69.7%): 31 of 47 (66%) non-FCH and 15 of 19 (79%) FCH patients. All relapsers were successfully retreated. Comparing the data of baseline with last follow-up, MELD and Child-Turcotte-Pugh scores improved both in non-FCH (15.3±6.5 vs 10.5±3.8, P<.0001 and 8.4±2.1 vs 5.7±1.3, P<.0001, respectively) and FCH (17.3±5.9 vs 10.1±2.8, P=.001 and 8.2±1.6 vs 5.5±1, P=.001, respectively). Short-treatment mortality was higher in patients with baseline MELD≥25 than in those with MELD<25 (42.9% vs 4.8%, P=.011). Long-term mortality was 53.3% among patients with baseline MELD≥20 and 7.5% among those with MELD<20 (P<.0001). Among deceased patients 75% were Child-Turcotte-Pugh class C at baseline, while among survivors 83.9% were class A or B (P<.0001). Direct acting antivirals-based treatments for severe post-transplant hepatitis C recurrence, comprising fibrosing cholestatic hepatitis, significantly improve liver function, even without viral clearance and permit an excellent long-term survival. The setting of severe HCV recurrence may require the identification of "too-sick-to-treat patients" to avoid futile treatments.

A Multistep, Consensus-Based Approach to Organ Allocation in Liver Transplantation: Toward a "Blended Principle Model".

Since Italian liver allocation policy was last revised (in 2012), relevant critical issues and conceptual advances have emerged, calling for significant improvements. We report the results of a national consensus conference process, promoted by the Italian College of Liver Transplant Surgeons (for the Italian Society for Organ Transplantation) and the Italian Association for the Study of the Liver, to review the best indicators for orienting organ allocation policies based on principles of urgency, utility, and transplant benefit in the light of current scientific evidence. MELD exceptions and hepatocellular carcinoma were analyzed to construct a transplantation priority algorithm, given the inequity of a purely MELD-based system for governing organ allocation. Working groups of transplant surgeons and hepatologists prepared a list of statements for each topic, scoring their quality of evidence and strength of recommendation using the Centers for Disease Control grading system. A jury of Italian transplant surgeons, hepatologists, intensivists, infectious disease specialists, epidemiologists, representatives of patients' associations and organ-sharing organizations, transplant coordinators, and ethicists voted on and validated the proposed statements. After carefully reviewing the statements, a critical proposal for revising Italy's current liver allocation policy was prepared jointly by transplant surgeons and hepatologists.

Survival benefit of transplantation for recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma after liver resection.

BACKGROUND: Liver transplantation (LT) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) can be used for tumor recurrence after liver resection (LR) both for initially transplant-eligible patients as conventional salvage therapy (ST) and for non-transplant-eligible patients (beyond Milan criteria) with a goal of downstaging (DW). The aim of this study was to compare the intention-to-treat (ITT) survival rates of patients who are listed for LT, according to these two strategies. METHODS: We analyzed a prospective database of 399 consecutive patients who underwent hepatic resection for HCC from 2002 to 2011 to identify patients included in the waiting list for tumor recurrence. Intention-to-treat (ITT) survivals were compared with those of patients resected for HCC within and beyond Milan criteria in the same period and not included in the LT waiting list. RESULTS: The study group consisted of 42 patients, 28 in the ST group (within Milan) and 14 in the DW group (beyond Milan). The 5-year ITT survival rate was similar between the 2 groups, being 64% for ST and 60% for DW (P=.84). Twenty-five patients (15 ST and 10 DW) underwent LT, 13 (10 ST and 3 DW) were still awaiting LT, 4 (3 ST and 1 DW) dropped out of the waiting list because of tumor progression, and 7 (5 ST [33%] and 2 DW [20%]) had tumor recurrence. The 5-year ITT survival of ST patients was similar to that of 252 in-Milan HCC patients resected only (P=.3), whereas 5-year ITT survival of DW patients was significantly higher (P<.01) than that of 105 beyond-Milan HCC patients resected only. CONCLUSIONS: LR seems to be a safe and effective therapy both as alternative to transplantation and as downstaging strategy for intermediate-advanced HCC. The survival benefit of salvage LT, however, seems to be higher in the 2nd than in the 1st group.

Physical activity in solid organ transplant recipients: organizational aspects and preliminary results of the Italian project.

Most of the difficulties when trying to realize the proposal to prescribe physical activity for transplantation patients come from patient attitudes and cultural beliefs that ignore the benefits of exercise, but there also are organizational aspects arising from the difficulties that these patients face in accessing supervised exercise facilities. To address these difficulties, the Italian study project "Transplant … and Now Sport" was developed based on a model of cooperation among transplantation specialists, sports physicians, and exercise specialists organized as a team combining their specific skills to effectively actuate the physical exercise programs. This preliminary report is based on 26 patients (16 male, 10 female; 47.8±10.0 years old; 21 kidney and 5 liver transplantations; time from transplantation 2.3±1.4 years) who performed prescribed and supervised exercises consisting of 3 sessions per week of aerobic and strengthening exercises for 1 year. Preliminary results show a significant decrease in body mass index (t=1.966; P<.05) and a significant increase in peak aerobic power (t=4.535; P<.01) and maximum workload (t=4.665; P<.01) on the incremental cycling test. Also maximum strength of knee extensors (t=2.933; P<.05) and elbow flexors (t=2.450; P<.05) and countermovement jump performance (t=2.303; P<.05) significantly increased. Creatinine and proteinuria tended to decrease, but the differences were not significant. In health-related quality of life assessed by the SF-36 questionnaire, the Bodily Pain, General Health, Vitality, Social Functioning, and Role Emotional scale scores showed a significant improvement (P<.05). Preliminary results of the study protocol "Transplant…and Now Sport" show the positive effects of the model based on cooperation among transplantation centers, sports medicine centers, and gyms in the administration of a supervised exercise prescription. These data should be considered a contribution to developing and promoting further detailed exercise protocols and to fostering improved posttransplantation health and survival, helping to ensure that physical activity becomes a safe routine medical treatment plan of patient management.

Use of grafts from anti-HBc-positive donors in liver transplantation: a 5-year, single-center experience.

INTRODUCTION: Liver transplantation (OLT) is the treatment of choice for advanced hepatic disease. The growing gap between waiting list patients and the number of donations has led to acceptance of less than optimal donors. The aim of this study was to evaluate the 5-year experience with anti hepatitis B core antigen (HBc)-positive liver donors. PATIENTS AND METHODS: All recipients of anti-HBc-positive grafts from January 2005 to December 2010 were evaluated annually after OLT for liver disease etiology, Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score, and the presence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) liver biopsy histology and serology for hepatitis B virus (HBsAg, anti-HBs, HBV-DNA), hepatitis C virus, and hepatitis D virus as well as antiviral prophylaxis to prevent de novo HBV. RESULTS: Among the 249 OLT performed from January 2005 to December 2010, (9.3%) cases used grafts from anti-HBc-positive donors. Etiologics of liver disease among the recipients were HBV (n = 13; 32.5%), HCV (n = 13; 32.5%) or other causes (n = 14; 35%). In 20 of the 40 patients (50%), HCC was found in the explanted organ. Of 40 recipients of anti-HBc-positive grafts 11 died, and 7 (17.5%) required retransplantation. Various regimens were employed as post-transplantation antiviral prophylaxis: (l) Immune globulin (25.8%); (2) Oral antiviral drugs (9.7%); and (3) combined prophylaxis (51.6%) or no treatment (12.9%). No difference was observed in patient or graft survival in relation to the etiology of liver disease, the MELD score, or the presence of HCC at the time of OLT, except graft survival was significantly reduced among recipient who underwent transplantation for non-HBV or non-HCV liver diseases compared with those engrafted due to viral hepatitis (P = .0062). No difference was observed in histologic features (grading and staging) compared with the antiviral prophylactic therapy; the 2 patients (5%) who developed de novo HBV had not received prophylaxis after OLT. CONCLUSIONS: Matching anti-HBc-positive grafts to recipients without HBV infection before OLT, may be especially safe.

Sorafenib for the treatment of recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma after liver transplantation?

BACKGROUND: There are scarce data on the use of sorafenib for the treatment of recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Ten patients were treated with sorafenib after OLT following the Italian Drug Agency guidelines: they had well-compensated liver function (Child-Pugh class A in the case of cirrhosis), intermediate-or advanced-stage HCC, good general condition (performance status 0), and not suitable for loco-regional therapies. Patients with HCC recurrence after OLT were treated with sorafenib (400 mg twice daily). Adverse events (AEs) were assessed using National Cancer Institute Common Toxicity Criteria of Adverse Events (NCI-CTCAE) v3.0 with tumor responses evaluated acording to modified Response Evaluation Criteria in Select Tumors) criteria. RESULTS: Median duration of treatment was 10 months (range, 2-18). Seven patients (70%) received an additionally targeted therapy with mTOR inhibitors as part of their immunosuppressive regimen. Most common grade 3 AEs included diarrhea (50%), hand-foot skin reaction (30%), and fatigue (20%). Sorafenib had to be discontinued in 3 patients (30%) due to AEs and 4 additional patients (40%) required a dose adjustment. No deterioration of liver graft function occurred. Three patients (30%) stopped treatment due to radiological progression of HCC, whereas 3 are still using the drug. Median time to progression was 8 months (range, 2-16). Median survival from start of therapy was 18 months (range, 4- 36). CONCLUSION: Our preliminary results suggest that sorafenib is a safe effective therapy for recurrent HCC after OLT.

Balancing donor and recipient risk factors in liver transplantation: the value of D-MELD with particular reference to HCV recipients.

Donor-recipient match is a matter of debate in liver transplantation. D-MELD (donor age × recipient biochemical model for end-stage liver disease [MELD]) and other factors were analyzed on a national Italian database recording 5946 liver transplants. Primary endpoint was to determine factors predictive of 3-year patient survival. D-MELD cutoff predictive of 5-year patient survival <50% (5yrsPS<50%) was investigated. A prognosis calculator was implemented (http://www.D-MELD.com). Differences among D-MELD deciles allowed their regrouping into three D-MELD classes (A < 338, B 338-1628, C >1628). At 3 years, the odds ratio (OR) for death was 2.03 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.44-2.85) in D-MELD class C versus B. The OR was 0.40 (95% CI, 0.24-0.66) in class A versus class B. Other predictors were hepatitis C virus (HCV; OR = 1.42; 95% CI, 1.11-1.81), hepatitis B virus (HBV; OR = 0.69; 95% CI, 0.51-0.93), retransplant (OR = 1.82; 95% CI, 1.16-2.87) and low-volume center (OR = 1.48; 95% CI, 1.11-1.99). Cox regressions up to 90 months confirmed results. The hazard ratio was 1.97 (95% CI, 1.59-2.43) for D-MELD class C versus class B and 0.42 (95% CI, 0.29-0.60) for D-MELD class A versus class B. Recipient age, HCV, HBV and retransplant were also significant. The 5yrsPS<50% cutoff was identified only in HCV patients (D-MELD ≥ 1750). The innovative approach offered by D-MELD and covariates is helpful in predicting outcome after liver transplantation, especially in HCV recipients.

Infections and organ transplantation: new challenges for prevention and treatment of hepatitis C virus.

Hepatitis C virus infection is a widespread condition, affecting about 170 million people worldwide. It is associated with the progression to cirrhosis, hepatic decompensation, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Therefore, antiviral treatment appears to be recommended for patients infected with HCV. This article reviewed recent evidence on antiviral therapy for HCV-infected patients.

Microwave thermal ablation for hepatocarcinoma: six liver transplantation cases.

Surgical resection for malignant hepatic tumors, especially hepatocarcinoma (HCC), has been demonstrated to increase overall survival; however, the majority of patients are not suitable for resection. Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is the most widely used modality for radical treatment of small HCC (<3 cm). It improves 5-year survival compared with standard chemotherapy and chemical ablation, allowing down-staging of unresectable hepatic masses. Microwave ablation (MWA) has been extensively applied in Asia and was recently introduced in the United States of America and Europe with excellent results, especially with regard to large unresectable HCC. Our single-center experience between May 2009 and October 2010 included application of MWA to 154 patients of median age ± standard deviation of 63.5 ± 8.5 years, 6 males, and 1 female, of mean Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score (10.1 ± 3.8). The HCC included, hepatitis C virus (HCV)-related (n=70; 45.5%); alcool (ETOH)-related (n=42; 27%), hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related (n=16; 10.5%); and cryptogenic cases (n=26; 17%). The cases were performed for radical treatment down-staging for multifocal pathology or bridging liver transplantation to orthotopic (OLT) in selected patients with single nodules. A computed tomography (CT) scan was performed at 1 month after the surgical procedure to evalue responses to treatment. Among 6 selected patients who underwent OLT; 5 (83.3%) showed disease-free survival at one-year follow-up. The radical treatment achieved no intraoperative evidence of tumor spread or of pathological signs of active HCC among the explanted liver specimens. In conclusion, a MWA seemed to be a safe novel approach to treat HCC and could serve as a "bridge" to OLT and down-staging for patients with HCC.